4 – 5 pm | £5
The Staying Alive series of Bloodaxe anthologies – Staying Alive (2002), Being Alive (2004), Being Human (2011) and Staying Human (2020) – have been a huge presence in the British poetry scene for almost two decades. Their editor (and founder editor of Bloodaxe) Neil Astley, in conversation with Festival Co-Director Clare Shaw, will read from Staying Human, taking questions and requests from an online audience while exploring the fascinating history of the anthologies and their profound relevance to these times.
‘Neil Astley … perhaps more than anyone in this contaminated and confused planet, has introduced poetry to people who hitherto had dismissed it as irrelevant…. With its emphasis on poets first published this century, Staying Human is testimony that in these sick and troubling times, poetry is in resilient health’ – Rosemary Goring, The Herald Scotland
Welcome to Kendal Poetry Festival. This year, the 3-day festival in our beautiful South Lakes town has become a 9-day immersive online experience, bringing together poets, audiences and organisers from across the UK. Tickets range from £0 to £5 for readings and £16.50 to £45 for workshops. We also have a limited number of £60 festival passes, giving access to all events (excluding workshops). This is a huge saving of £40 if you bought each ticket individually. All audience members will be issued with invitations to two free half-hour sessions: “Zoom for Beginners”: Thursday 4th February, 19.00; and “How to make the Most of Your Online Festival Experience”: Thursday 11th February, 19.00.
The first 200 people to buy a ticket will receive an exclusive Festival Survival Kit contains a limited edition Kendal Poetry Festival badge, surprise gifts from a couple of our local sponsors, and an exclusive pamphlet – featuring work from Dove Cottage Young Poets; visual art from our Young Artist in Residence; and work from local poet and artist Alan Forsyth.
With our trademark emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, we continue to offer free tickets to young people and people with disabilities. We have extended our offer to include all local care home staff and residents. These are difficult, distant times, but poetry brings us together. Whether it’s your first time at our festival or whether you’ve been before, whether you’re in Kendal or Canada, Windermere or Wisconsin, we’re happy to have you with us.
PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR VISIT
Brewery Members receive a 10% discount on most ticketed live performances and event tickets, sign in to your account to take advantage of these discounts.
All our ticket prices include a 50p commission. This fee helps us continue to fund our diverse programme. Creative learning classes & workshops are exempt.
Audio Description (AD) is available in Screen 1. Infrared audio system is available in both Cinema Screens 1 and 2. Induction loops (T) are in place in the Theatre, please ask for assistance on the door.
Some live events may carry strict age restrictions, these are outlined on our website. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult at all times during evening events.
Unwaged* – For those in receipt of Universal Credit, Working Tax credits, Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support. Discounts may not be applicable on certain events.
